In a recent interview with CNBC's David Faber at Tesla's headquarters in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk announced the anticipated rollout of Tesla's robotaxi service, slated to begin by the end of June. The initial phase will see approximately ten Model Y vehicles equipped with a new version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, referred to as FSD Unsupervised, operating in a geofenced area of Austin. Musk indicated a potential rapid expansion to thousands of vehicles, contingent on the success of the initial deployment.
Musk has long maintained that Tesla is nearing the delivery of a fully autonomous vehicle capable of safely transporting passengers without human intervention—a promise first made in 2016. He emphasized the importance of starting small to ensure safety and operational success before scaling up. Unlike competitors such as Waymo, which employs lidar and radar technology, Tesla's approach relies primarily on cameras and artificial intelligence, which Musk argues is more effective and cost-efficient for high-volume production.
During the interview, Musk also addressed Tesla's recent financial challenges, including a reported 20% decline in automotive revenue in the first quarter of 2025. He attributed this drop to the need for factory retooling for a refreshed Model Y, but expressed optimism about a rebound in demand.
Additionally, Musk's involvement in political circles, particularly with President Donald Trump, was a topic of discussion, especially in light of declining electric vehicle sales. Musk downplayed the potential impact of his political affiliations on consumer purchasing decisions.
Finally, Musk reaffirmed his commitment to leading Tesla for at least the next five years, amid ongoing responsibilities with SpaceX and xAI. His estimated net worth remains around $376 billion, making him the world's wealthiest individual.